Liverpool eye Huntelaar swoop

Liverpool are plotting to end their striker crisis by signing Dutch hot-shot Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from Schalke when the January transfer window opens, according to ESPN sources.

Anfield chiefs believe they could secure the services of 29-year-old striker in a cut-price £6 million, with manager Brendan Rodgers desperate to bolster his striking options after his side missed a host of chances once again in their 1-1 draw against Newcastle on Sunday.

Huntelaar has already scored eight goals for Schalke this season, backing up his impressive haul of 44 goals for club and country last term, and while a move for the former AC Milan striker would divert away from Liverpool's bid to sign youthful performers, his value price-tag and ability to make an instant impact in the Premier League should persuade the club's American owners to sanction the deal.

Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for Arsenal contract rebel Theo Walcott, but ESPN sources suggest the inflated wage demands of the England attacking starlet may scupper any proposed move to Anfield.